China Policy:  Competition, Rules, and Mutual Respect

The Problem

U.S.-China relations have become defined by escalation, mistrust, and zero-sum thinking.  Neither saber-rattling nor appeasement serves American interests.  What’s needed is a clear-eyed policy built on enforceable rules, mutual respect, and the unwavering defense of American interests and international norms.

The challenges are real: systematic theft of American intellectual property, militarization of international waterways, extraterritorial coercion of Chinese nationals abroad, and espionage operations on American soil.  These are not abstract diplomatic concerns — they directly affect American workers, businesses, and national security.

What We Propose

We support the 1979 One China / Cross-Strait policy [1], including the right of Taiwan to peaceful self-determination.  This is not a contradiction — it is the foundation on which decades of stability have been built, and mutual self-interest can sustain that stability in the decades to come.

We are open to trade, in non-strategic technology, with China.  Economic engagement benefits both nations when conducted on fair terms and within clear boundaries.

Freedom of navigation is a universal right, recognized world-wide.  It is one which extends to the protection of China’s own legitimate maritime interests.  We oppose the efforts of any nation, including China, to infringe upon the navigational rights of others.  We support multi-party discussions to address the interests of all who trade through the Strait of Malacca, including China, for our mutual benefit.

We are absolutely opposed to the theft of American intellectual property.  This is not a trade dispute [2] — it is economic aggression, and it will be treated as such.

We consider espionage acts against the United States to be hostile acts, regardless of their origin.  They will be treated accordingly, and dealt with in a fashion and to the extent to which those acts imperil human life.

The creation of extraterritorial “police stations” designed to surveil, entrap, intimidate, and coerce Chinese expatriates on American soil is taken with the same seriousness as human trafficking.  It is no less serious or reprehensible than the actions of Jeffrey Epstein.  The United States will not tolerate any foreign power operating a coercive apparatus within our borders. [3]

We do not seek to contain China.  We seek a common set of rules to ensure that the basic needs of every nation are met — including the need for energy, resources, and security.  Rules, not dominance, are the path to stability.  We are confident that this is achievable, and in the interests of all nations.

How We’ll Know It’s Working